A Bird in the Hand

2012-01-26T10:40:00.001-05:00

I'm taking a blogging break for a week.

Be well
Be safe
Be happy

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2012-01-24T11:40:00.000-05:00

Tag Tuesday

The theme is Vintage.

And some bag art. Coffee-dyed, distressed, stitched and mounted on mat board.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2012-01-23T20:40:00.001-05:00

I'm still here, except for Luiza in Canada [if you heard that Brazilian tidbit on the news, you know what I'm talking about.

I got caught up in the list of things I have to do before I take off on Friday, but I did make some tags.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2012-01-22T12:52:00.000-05:00

What to do with a vintage handkerchief in the Era of Kleenex

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2012-01-21T11:53:00.000-05:00

Yesterday's WIP is now completed.

Worked on antique French linen.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Friday's child

2012-01-20T13:10:00.000-05:00

Work in Progress

Vintage French linen, coffee-dyed; transferred images.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2012-01-19T11:35:00.000-05:00

Foul weather.
It has 10 days to clear up before I travel.
Please.
Oh, please.

Acrylic on watercolour paper

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2012-01-18T11:20:00.000-05:00

[Drawing] practice, practice, practice.

Ghost unwilling to give up her favourite sofa.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Tag Tuesday

2012-01-17T13:20:00.001-05:00

This week's tag on Tag Tuesday
The theme was White.

I cast this dollie in plaster some time ago. She came in handy today.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2012-01-16T10:57:00.000-05:00

New collage. This small book was authored by Mrs. Molesworth. That's what it says on the cover: Nesta by Mrs. Molesworth.

The inside covers were the perfect background for collage.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Helping to spread the word

2012-01-16T00:34:00.000-05:00

Craftcation is a three-day indie business & DIY conference featuring lectures and DIY workshops with leading industry professionals on art, craft and food-centered small business in Ventura, CA, March 22-25 2012.

Craftcation features more than 50 workshops, lectures and events led by over 30 presenters like Jenny Hart, Kathy Cano-Murillo, Cathy Callahan, Christine Haynes, Lauren Venell, Nicole Vasbinder, Aida Mollenkamp, Evan Klieman, Rena Tom and The Urban Craft Center.

If you want to start, maintain or grow your indie business or take a break from your routine and learn new skills while networking, then Craftcation is for you! Craftcation will ignite the entrepeneurerial business spirit and strengthen skills and abilities of both seasoned business owners and newcomers to indie craft business.

For more info please visit http://www.craftcationconference.com/

2012-01-15T11:54:00.000-05:00

Silent Sunday

Gratitude

Tender Mercies, detail of a quilt

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2012-01-14T11:56:00.000-05:00

Objects of my affection.
I love them so much that for now I just look at them.
They are works of art in themselves.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2012-01-13T11:22:00.001-05:00

Yesterday it rained.
Today it snowed.
Tomorrow is anyone's guess.

I have neighbouring cats to feed, errands to run. Better in the snow than in the rain. See, there's always a bright side.

Still life with tea bag

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2012-01-12T12:39:00.001-05:00

A bird in the arm....

Look closely

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2012-01-10T11:35:00.000-05:00

De-cluttering produced a bag of felted wool pieces. I don't normally use felted wool, but I hesitated before throwing it in the "unwanted" file.

I made a scarf instead. Stay warm.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2012-01-09T15:12:00.000-05:00

I'm wearing this contraption for a couple of days. It looks like a robot. I wish I could tell you I had a skiing mishap, but no, nothing so glamorous. A silly accident, a dislocated toe and bruising. On a Sunday. So I went into survival mode, eased the toe back in place and wrapped it in place with a piece of silk, the first thing I could lay my hands on. A couple of Aspirin later, I called my medical journalist friends, who approved of what I'd done and brought over this "air cast" to help me move around while keeping the foot immobile. I figured that between the three of us: all three medical writers, his father a doctor, my mother a nurse-midwife, we should have the knowledge by osmosis if nothing else! I knew that keeping the foot immobile was crucial and if if got worse the next day, I would call my doctors.

Today there's no swelling, no pain to speak of, but some colourful bruising. There's a message here, however. I need to continue clearing my space and I need to slow down a little. I'm grateful it was nothing worse.

So I sat back and made something. This flower is inspired by Julie Arkell, and this kind of craft is something the British do best. Cheers!

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2012-01-07T12:46:00.000-05:00

A sunny Saturday, perfect for walking the dog, except that the dog is long gone.... I'll just have to walk myself.

Some morning stitching. I tend to stitch during the day and paint at night. An artist I used to know was always shocked (and not in a good way) that I painted at night.

You need daylight, he would say, for the colours to be true. I never paint after the light has gone.

My answer was, I know my colours, I have a feel for them, they look true the next morning.

He was a gifted watercolourist, but he disapproved of me. Did it affect me? No. Everyone has an opinion according to their beliefs and perceptions. You must be true to yourself.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Friday's child

2012-01-06T10:34:00.000-05:00

Where do ideas come from? Where did this come from?

It started with a piece of linen from my vintage French stash. I tea-dyed it. Then I arranged various pieces on it but nothing gelled. Last night, I looked at it again. There was this small undyed rectangle; I placed it at the top. The words "pillow talk" floated through my brain as well as "and you can stuff it with fiberfill for a pillow effect".

And this was the result.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Travel

2012-01-05T16:14:00.003-05:00

I realized yesterday that in three weeks I will be leaving for Los Angeles.The trip that was a long time away is now around the corner. It's going to be fabulous.
One of my oldest friends Joy (we go back decades, to San Diego) will be meeting me for a weekend of reunion and gaddabouting around. Then another of my oldest friends from Toronto, Julie, will be taking me to her place in Santa Barbara for a few days, during which I'll be dropping in on my friends and colleagues at Stampington & Company. Three reunions in all!

This year is my year of travel.
In very early May, I will be in Oklahoma City for a teaching weekend at The Paper Crown. My Oklahoma peeps (as I think of them) graced one of my classes at Silver Bella and were among the kindest and most talented people I've met. I so looking forward to seeing them again and renewing friendships. The bonus will be a few days with my sister who lives one hour's flight away across the border in Texas.

The third trip, still in planning stages will be to Ireland; I try to visit the clan every few years, and it's been too long.

John and Dinah Copeland, gone but not forgotten.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Tag Tuesday

2012-01-04T12:51:00.001-05:00

I've joined Tag Tuesday (no surprise) wherein we create a tag every Tuesday representing the subject we're given.

This tag was the first of the year. The theme was Snow. I made it yesterday, but we have a week to post the tags. I will try and post mine on Tuesdays.

When it's snowing, I prefer to watch it from inside. The "snow crystals" are old lace painted white.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2012-01-03T15:38:00.000-05:00

When I was a schoolgirl, I saw a painting at Versailles (on a day trip) that grabbed my imagination and never let go. It may be the reason I love minimalism. It was a painting by David of the young Napoleon Bonaparte, sitting, unfinished, on an easel. I thought it was perfect; in my eyes it was "finished".

Unfinished is the theme of this stitchery. Most of us have unfinished business in our lives, I think. We can finish it, tie up loose ends, but not when other party involved doesn't want to. So those strings are left dangling, and we move forward because the only power we have is over ourselves.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2012-01-02T12:55:00.000-05:00

My love affair with tags continues unabated.

When I have my own studio, that is, a separate one from my living space, I'm going to mount tag installations. All manner of tags hanging in various lengths from the ceiling, sporting drawings, scribbles, collage, textiles...

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-12-31T12:47:00.000-05:00

My last painting of the year.

Wishing you a very Happy New Year 2012.

Mixed media on canvas

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Friday's child

2011-12-30T12:36:00.000-05:00

Silent Friday

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-12-29T14:27:00.000-05:00

It's snowing. The real thing, not temporary or wet snow.

So you whip up the hot chocolate, and wander around trying this and playing with that. You start tidying up your paintings, one sits on top of the other, and presto! you have a new composition.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-12-28T14:04:00.000-05:00

I went to town on this canvas as a form of exercise. One giant doodle. A good thing the canvas wasn't expensive.

And a bit of stitching. My late Mother-in-law used to call me Missy. I was thinking of her while stitching....

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-12-27T18:43:00.000-05:00

My last night with Genie. Will she miss me when she goes home tomorrow morning? I will certainly miss her, but I know she'll be happy to be back home with the person who rescued her and is giving her a good life.

The weather has been dry and not too cold, so we've had some really good walks. This evening we got wet snow, and this is where you really have to love your dog -- whatever the weather, you have to take her out. I bundled up and we went out and she had her exercise and other stuff she needs to do.

This will be my last doggie/Genie post, so thank you for bearing with me.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-12-26T11:45:00.000-05:00

And so it's Boxing Day, and Day 3 with Genie. I think of her as my personal trainer, out running, walking, jogging, then a few minutes rest as she gazes into the distance at some unseen creatures. Sometimes it's a squirrel, other times.... She goes home the day after tomorrow.

In the evenings, she curls up next to me on the couch and we watch television while I stitch.

Then, suddenly, she'll turn towards me and burrow her face in my side. Then, realizing she might suffocate, she looks up and slaps her front legs on my lap. Then she turns around, curls up and goes to sleep. Yeah, it's a dog's life alright!

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-12-24T14:01:00.000-05:00

I love Christmas Eve better than Christmas Day, when it's night and all the lights are on (I hear Santa has left the North Pole) and life is cosy.

One condition I don't want to have is dissociative fugue because I'm very thankful for my life as it is now. But one can dream, as long as it's for the better.... Dissociative fugue is a rare condition in which a person suddenly, without planning or warning, travels far from home or work and leaves behind a past life.

This piece is available in my Etsy shop.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-12-23T10:29:00.003-05:00

On a bright sunny day, after her walk and breakfast, Genie joins me in wishing you a Merry Christmas, and Peace of Earth (now, more than ever).

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Very worth reading

2011-12-22T13:50:00.000-05:00

The Dalai Grandma: God Hates the Mayan Calendar

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-12-21T11:29:00.000-05:00

My Christmas decorations: Christmas cards.

I'm not one to do much more, especially as in essence I live in my studio (it used to be the other way around but the studio has taken over all but the bedroom), but I love other people's decorations and enjoy those instead.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-12-20T10:21:00.000-05:00

I've been doing a lot of drawing/painting with gouache this past week, so it's not surprising that I migrated to my beloved tags. There was a time when I would have drawn on the walls if the walls had belonged to me....

I like the idea of creating mini installations with tags. I started with three, but imagine a dozen tags hanging at various lengths. Bliss.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-12-19T11:32:00.001-05:00

Best news all day: My canine friend Jeannie will be staying with me over Christmas because her peeps will be in New York. Jeannie is from a pound in Florida, but she has adapted very well to Toronto, especially as she is well loved and taken care of.

Merry Christmas!

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-12-18T23:53:00.000-05:00

Homage to Paul Klee on his birthday (December 18, 1879)

Paul Klee's bird.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-12-16T11:16:00.000-05:00

There is one area in which I have a lot of patience -- I say this because patience isn't my strong suit -- and that is when I leave a piece of cloth alone until the right time. This 35-inch-long table topper has been draped on the back of a chair for a long time. I knew I wanted to embroider it with words, but the words didn't show themselves until yesterday.

I mounted it à la Sibella Court -- with masking tape. Ideally it would be pinned in place.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-12-15T00:02:00.000-05:00

More details.
Fabric collage with a little paper.

Arranging colours and patterns to create something pleasing to the eye. My kind of patchwork.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-12-14T13:52:00.001-05:00

Slippers/pantoufles

Walk softly in velvet slippers. When your feet are happy, the rest of you is happy. Feet are our base, supporting the rest of our body.

Gouache on brown paper. Available in my Etsy shop.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-12-13T14:19:00.000-05:00

If you know me, you know that I love brown paper. For the longest time I searched for heavy brown paper, not the usual kraft paper, but darker and much heavier. One day, my prayers were answered when I found it at Curry's Art supplies. It's scanning as greyish, but it really is brown.

I tried painting on it with black gouache.

It made me very, very happy!

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-12-12T12:12:00.000-05:00

Details.
It's all in the details.
And how those details are placed.
God is in the details or the devil is in the details: It's your choice.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-12-11T12:23:00.000-05:00

Wabi-sabi

Wabi-sabi derives its quiet authority from subtle details, small doses, a limited palette and simplicity.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Breakfast of champions

2011-12-10T13:52:00.000-05:00

Look, there's no metaphysics on Earth like chocolate.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Friday's child

2011-12-09T11:25:00.000-05:00

December is finally behaving like December.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-12-08T14:25:00.000-05:00

A collage of my collages.
The Red Series, fabric collage.
Wishing you lots of cheer.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

"The affable Irishman"

2011-12-08T00:00:00.001-05:00

My husband and his brothers were all rugby players. Now one of the sons, Robin Copeland, is making his presence felt on the rugby field. Some of the clan travelled to England to watch him play. We're all very proud of him. Robin is the one holding the ball.....

Secret weapon Copeland is sure to attract Premiership interest - Rugby Union - Yorkshire Post

Yorkshire Post, Dec. 8, 2011 -- Of more short-term concern, Copeland's scores on 23 and 26 minutes were enough to secure victory for Rotherham. The affable Irishman is content with that for now, while coach Andre Bester – a seasoned unearther of rough diamonds – thinks there is more ‘balancing out’ of Copeland’s game to be done.

There was still much work to do, but Copeland, who seems destined for the top, does not need opportunities gift-wrapped.

His intervention was decisive. It gave Rotherham a 17-0 lead at half-time that they managed to hold onto in the second half, with Garry Law scoring two penalties and a drop goal.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-12-07T11:44:00.000-05:00

Midweek and more quilting and stamping.
The bow is not just for Christmas. Change the colours and the month and you have something completely different.

The little girl is French, so she would say Bonjour.

And more bows stitched on a quilt.

Happy Wednesday!

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-12-06T13:03:00.000-05:00

This rubber stamp arrived today. I love bows and I make them all the time; now I have a stamp, too. By one of my favorite people, Dawn Houser. I got this one from her Etsy shop where she has many of her stamps as well as lots of other goodies.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-12-05T11:06:00.001-05:00

The elves left at midnight. But before they left, they made a few things that I'm very pleased with. They said they won't be returning [until next year] because I can manage on my own now. Christmas is looking on the horizon; take a deep breath and enjoy.

I'm a little besotted with this little rubber stamp (the legs) by Paperbag Studios

The elves added the red bow in honour of the festive season.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-12-04T15:52:00.004-05:00

The skies are grey, the hearth is warm, the soup's on.... really? No.

But it is one of those days that begs a fireplace and a pot of soup.

I'm using a lot of red these days. In the right doses, it makes me happy.

Textile collage on burlap

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-12-03T16:39:00.000-05:00

I went back to One of a Kind today to take advantage of my favourite shop before the show ends tomorrow and they go back to Montreal.
They will be back for the Spring show, but I didn't want to wait that long, and I didn't want to order online because, again, I would have to wait for the shipment.
We are so lucky to have L'Atelier du Presbytère locally (a little bit of France on our doorstep).
Françoise and Thierry are the nicest, most creative people. I admit I'm smitten!

My special purchase is a linen wrap. When I saw myself in the mirror, I understood the genius of it -- it looks quite beautiful. You could drape it on furniture or across a table, but I really love that it's meant to be worn.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Friday's child

2011-12-02T11:39:00.000-05:00

I'm working away from home today, desk work at the Medical Post, so here's a butterfly for you to enjoy.

Happy Friday.

This piece is available in my Etsy shop.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-12-01T12:55:00.000-05:00

Sew Somerset is out today.

I contributed one of my very favorite projects to this issue and, as usual, they did a fine job. My article explains how I put this fragments book together.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Support our local artisans

2011-11-30T19:46:00.002-05:00

I spent the better part of the day at One of a Kind, courtesy of Danielle Hession, Row K, Booth 53 (and her lovely Mom). I did a little Christmas shopping, of course, a Danielle piece,

some incredible chocolate made in Vancouver (for some incredibly lucky people....), and then there was this:

Oh, my torchon! The lovely couple who own this company hail from Avignon in France and now grace Montreal with their gorgeous creations. They have an online shop, obviously limited in stock, but meanwhile they are at One of a Kind, Row N, Booth 14.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-11-29T13:44:00.000-05:00

If you know me, you already know that I love fragments of old and antique fabrics and laces.

In the upcoming Sew Somerset, I have an article about some of these fragments, and in the upcoming Art Quilting Studio I have an article about these fragments arranged in quilts. Along with painting and collage, textile art gives me great satisfaction; it also the most portable of the arts I practise, although I have been known to paint canvasses in my sister's house with materials bought locally.

Today I'm grateful I can earn my living doing what I truly love.

Hand-stitched fragments. Available in my Etsy shop.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-11-28T13:43:00.000-05:00

Weather: mild
Business: busy
Family: good
Friends: good
Fuyu persimmons: delicious

Today I have nothing to declare but my gratitude.

Happy Monday.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-11-25T12:56:00.001-05:00

I saw this project some time ago, and it stuck in the back of my head. I think I may have seen it on Alisa Burke's blog, but I searched and searched and couldn't find it.

In any event, I made one for my bedroom.
It's simple, it's effective, and I love it. From a beloved poem by e.e.cummings.

Acrylic on 14x18-inch canvas

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-11-24T14:12:00.000-05:00

The perils of stitching a quotation: It's so easy to miss a word even if you think you're being careful. I missed a word and had to take the whole line apart and redo it.

This quotation is from Listen to the Warm by Rod McKuen. When I was just a young thing living in Southern California, I discovered his poetry and he's been one of my favourite American poets ever since.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-11-23T15:03:00.000-05:00

Silent Wednesday

Extreme gratitude for lifelong friends, especially Trish in Australia

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-11-22T14:24:00.000-05:00

A hot chocolate kind of day. It finally feels like...winter. Bundle up!

I'm thrilled that my Yule tags have sold -- a bunch of them have just been mailed to Montreal. Another set went earlier to Massachusetts. I really love these tags, and when they go so quickly, it validates what I'm doing.

These went into the shop today.

Be well, be safe, keep warm.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-11-21T10:52:00.000-05:00

The week begins all over again.
In between the necessities and pleasures of daily life, my work, which is another kind of pleasure.

I've added a number of Yule tags to my Etsy shop, in sets of the larger kind; I like these because they can be used in so many ways, not least as a Christmas card with a message on the back.

And some stitching. This little baby dress has a quotation from Pablo Neruda. Hard to photograph white, so please forgive the bad photo.

Forgetting [is so] long -- Neruda

Wishing you a happy week ahead.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-11-19T12:59:00.000-05:00

On screen:

Most overused and lame expression of the moment: This wasn't supposed to happen. Well, that's because you don't think ahead, you don't think about consequences. I find this especially grating when a character on TV says this after killing someone. Who writes this stuff??

And then there's the expression I need you to do [whatever]. Why so needy? That's what comes across for me, neediness, and I want to say don't be so needy, be a bit more self-reliant. Even the British have adopted this expression. I hear it on British programs all the time. What happened to Could you please do this for me.

Online:

The simplest craft I've come across so far is over at Sweet Paul. A vintage book becomes a photo holder. It took 5 minutes, great result.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Friday's child

2011-11-18T15:28:00.001-05:00

I'm not much of a collector; that is, my collections are very small. After collecting two or three items, I'm pretty much done. I don't think I could cope with anything bigger.
I'm attached to my small collection of antique decoy ducks, my one and only piece of authentic folk art by Earl Renz, a red fox carved out of one piece of a branch (Red is in the second photo below).

And a few pieces of Irish pottery. All the pieces came from Ireland. A wine cup made by a friend, a Nicholas Mosse demi-tasse,

espresso coffee cups and saucers, a Celtic cup, and a big earthy looking vase that was a gift from my husband, all came home with me from Ireland.

It's an eclectic collection that reflects my tastes, and all the pieces are used in my daily life. I believe in enjoying one's beautiful things, new and antique.

Happy weekend.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-11-17T11:36:00.000-05:00

The elves are taking a break.

While I clear the mess.

But first, a cup of coffee and a walk in the leaves (they're mostly on the ground now).

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-11-15T13:03:00.001-05:00

And this is what I do for fun.
Go on, have some fun today.

Le boulevardier

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-11-14T13:11:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was not the best of days, and as I drifted off last night, I reminded myself that in the morning things would look differently, that everything is always changing. This morning, in my mailbox comes this wee message:

Ever wish for do-over days, Colette? You know, hit the reset button and give 'er another shot?
Will today work?
It's never too late,
The Universe

Last night's art therapy. The wings are open -- make of that what you will...

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Friday's child

2011-11-11T14:42:00.002-05:00

This post is dedicated to my clients, especially the regular ones, my friends and family who support my work and thereby help me make a living. I've come this far because of you.

You know that old (by now) chestnut "Do what you love and the money will follow"? Well, no. Not really. What you love has to sell for the money to follow. And it has to sell consistently and BIG. I say BIG because it's the people who make pots of money who throw out that little chestnut. Plus, it takes time, years, and consistent work and effort, another thing they don't tell you. As my mother would have said I don't have muggins written on my forehead.

There are certain items I make, because I love them, that rarely sell. But I never give up hope if I feel the item is worth it. This little piece was up for sale forever, at a very affordable price, but it went nowhere. Then one day, I got a request for gift suggestions and I threw the piece into the mix. Result: Not only did it sell, but the client requested 6 similar pieces.

work in progress

Now, that obviously isn't going to make a fortune, but that's not the point. It's about not giving up on yourself. It's about being true to yourself, not trying to fit into someone else's idea of what you should make. Eventually you'll find your audience.

The elves and I are currently working on a huge order of tags. We are very, very happy! Fa la la la la....

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-11-10T11:57:00.001-05:00

The Christmas elves arrived last night.
I asked them, What can I make with these felt rings? I don't even know why I bought them.
They shook their heads, rolled their eyes, and pointed to the big ball of red thread sitting next to a crochet hook. They don't talk to me because I don't understand Elvish, so they rely on gestures.

Some people have muses, I have elves. Sigh.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-11-09T13:07:00.000-05:00

Last week was a week of putting out little fires, coping with frustration, making the best of a bad job.This sort of thing will happen once in a while and there's no escaping that. It's called life.

This week has so far been a fine one. Old friends, new friends and good food; new ideas, new work. And...relief and gratitude!

Bunting. I don't make these often, but I love them.

Little gift bags.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-11-07T12:06:00.001-05:00

This piece was ambitious, stitching a portrait, free style, on a 15x16-inch vintage napkin. I went at it slowly, adding to it whenever something came to mind. A package of vintage goodies arrived from Montreal, and a piece of lace from that parcel was the finishing touch. I'm not sure I would make a habit of this. It was arduous, which I don't mind, but I wasn't thrilled with the result. Still, that's how I find out what I want and don't want: I try it.

Arduous is what I would definitely call these fabric baubles. Hours of patience were needed just to turn the strips inside out, then to create the "beads", just for starters -- but I was thrilled with the results, so I will be making more.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-11-06T13:14:00.000-05:00

Time Travel. All the clocks have been put back, including the one on the stove....

And another sunny day, bringing out the red hues of the maple leaves. The maple leaf forever, eh.

Maple leaf/feuille d'érable

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Friday's child

2011-11-04T13:15:00.000-04:00

I was at BizzyB's yesterday evening to see what was new (before all the stuff runs out). I don't mind telling you that I always get a thrill to see my own stamps on the shelves, as well as all the Stampington magazines to which I contribute. I went through the store inch by inch so that I wouldn't miss anything, and found these two stamps that were right up my street. Of course I grabbed them. I regret to say that they were the only two, but they can always be ordered, according to Mrs. BizzyB.

A lot of stamps are now coming out as cling stamps, but I love the ones on wood: they are easier to organize, to pick one out of the many, and to stamp with. May they continue forever.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-11-03T13:30:00.000-04:00

I was going through my many notebooks from my days as a (mostly) writer and came across this entry titled Perception. I knew of course that we can all look at the same thing and each of us will see something different, but this entry pointed it out in a very graphic way.

____________________________

August 21 [year unknown]

Bought a candle at the pharmacy. Cost was $2.29. I took my change out and counted out $2 plus a quarter and a nickel right in front of the pharmacist. She took the money, gave me a receipt, but not the 1 cent change. I was going to let it go, but something compelled me to say something -- obviously not for the one cent but for the principle of it.

So, very nicely, I said something -- and she replied: "Oh, I'm sorry, I thought I saw you count out four pennies."

I had put down 30 cents [a quarter and a nickel] and yet she perceived me counting out four pennies.

How often have I done this? I will pay attention from now on. I will not confuse perception with fact.

______________________________________________

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2011-11-03T00:53:00.010-04:00

A jaunt down Yonge St., from midtown where I live to downtown Bloor & Yonge, in beautiful 17C weather, dropping into stores I've patronized for many years.

Drake General Store

The cookbooks store...duh

Roberto at his salon, taken unawares by my camera

Cora at Dinah's cupboard

Sweet stuff. Dufflet's carrot cake is hidden behind the brownies

Say cheese...Fromage!

Side street leading to Yorkville

2011-11-02T00:14:00.000-04:00

Paperbag Studios has just launched a new set of rubber stamps in collaboration with Samantha Kira Harding (whose art journaling videos on Youtube I've enjoyed for quite a while now).

As a happy member of the design team, I received them a couple of weeks ago and made a number of samples which I did not show in this semi-mysterious post.

Now I can, and with great pleasure! Here are a few.

Do not break your shin on a stool that is not in your way.-- Irish proverb

2011-11-01T12:21:00.000-04:00

And so here we are. It's November. Already. I think measuring time is stressful; I need to get out of the habit.

A few things.
How to find a lost object: photograph it. I photographed my shelves and found an item I thought I'd lost at the very top [the bookcase is much taller than me).

A little egghead stitching:

And messing with paint. Or channelling Lynne; I should say following Lynne's instructions which she generously shares on her blog.

Acrylics, graphite, wax pastels.

Do not break your shin on a stool that is not in your way.-- Irish proverb

2011-10-31T12:30:00.000-04:00

It is fitting, especially today.

Steve’s final words, hours earlier, were monosyllables, repeated three times.

Before embarking, he’d looked at his sister Patty, then for a long time at his children, then at his life’s partner, Laurene, and then over their shoulders past them. [my italics]

Steve’s final words were:
OH WOW. OH WOW. OH WOW.

Mona Simpson, delivering the eulogy for Steve Jobs.

2011-10-30T11:47:00.000-04:00

Well, boo.

Do not break your shin on a stool that is not in your way.-- Irish proverb

2011-10-29T13:08:00.001-04:00

The temperatures are dropping, and I was on the hunt for a new pair of boots. My old ones expired last year after several years of faithful service.
I found the perfect pair at The Bay yesterday (no chains and zippers and tassels and the kitchen sink -- just a streamlined, warm pair with very good treads). To my delight, they were also 30% off. Timing is everything.

Are you ready for winter?

Do not break your shin on a stool that is not in your way.-- Irish proverb

Friday's child

2011-10-28T13:35:00.001-04:00

I've never painted a witch before. I've never produced any Hallowe'en art before either.
But there's a first time for everything...

Life's a witch, and then you fly.

Do not break your shin on a stool that is not in your way.-- Irish proverb

2011-10-27T15:19:00.000-04:00

I'm grateful it stopped raining, and I'm grateful I am free of weather headaches.

This is my current favourite coffee cup. It's beautiful to my eyes, and just the right size, a little bigger than a traditional demi-tasse. I found it a couple of years ago on one of the antiquing forays conducted by my sister when I was visiting her in McKinney. That would be Texas.

The right cup adds to my enjoyment of coffee. At the other extreme is coffee in paper cups or worse styrofoam. They set my teeth on edge. So I don't drink coffee out, unless I have to (you're out with someone who buys you a cup of coffee), out of politesse!

Pause-café/coffee break

Do not break your shin on a stool that is not in your way.-- Irish proverb

2011-10-26T13:57:00.002-04:00

I find it hard to get going when it's grey and gloomy and wet outside.
A part of me just wants to curl up on the couch with a hot drink and watch old movies on television. Reading would only make me drowsy; my reading is reserved for nighttime.
Another part of me recoils at the very thought and wants to be active: move something, anything.
And another part of me compromises: Have a shot of coffee, then make something.
That's the part I listen to. It always leads to my getting out of the house....

So this piece of wood has been sitting on my table. It's the only one I have, so I've waited for the "right" idea (idée juste?). I don't know if this is it, but I went ahead anyway.

Ma cabane au Canada

Do not break your shin on a stool that is not in your way.-- Irish proverb

2011-10-25T12:29:00.001-04:00

When vintage linens are too good to cut up.
Arrange the pieces and stitch them together, carefully if, like me, you're not used to navigating big pieces in your sewing machine.
Hang as a [small] window covering, Japanese-style door curtain, or pin to the wall.

Available in my Etsy shop.

Do not break your shin on a stool that is not in your way.-- Irish proverb

2011-10-24T13:38:00.000-04:00

Tags.
Objects of my affecttion.
Happy Monday.

Do not break your shin on a stool that is not in your way.-- Irish proverb

2011-10-23T13:19:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I feel like this:

If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world. -C.S. Lewis

I've often felt over the years that I must have dropped off another planet/world, so when I saw these words by C.S. Lewis, I immediately knew what he was talking about. For me, it isn't so much about desires as it is about being utterly baffled at the behaviour and state of the world. Which makes me all the more grateful to have the small number of people in my life who accept me as I am.

Anyway, I played with buttons last night. If it involves simple crocheting, I can do it. Anything more complicated, no.

Do not break your shin on a stool that is not in your way.-- Irish proverb

Friday's child

2011-10-21T12:18:00.001-04:00

What a design team member does [speaking only for myself, of course]:

Tears open the package and pulls out a sheet of brand-new rubber.
Pulls out various scissors and start separating the images, cutting and trimming the one that leaps out at her [ooh, have to try this one right away].
Tries it out; ideas start flowing.
Readies some backgrounds.
Trims the other ones while waiting for backgrounds to dry.
Then goes to town. [Once I get going I can't stop. By 2 a.m. I had made 5 samples. I will be making more today.]
Last but not least: Enjoying the process very much...

So there you have it. I adore getting new stamps, and I can never wait to try them out. This set is brand-new so I can't show you anything more just yet....

Do not break your shin on a stool that is not in your way.-- Irish proverb

2011-10-19T19:25:00.001-04:00

Because I couldn't resist this

via Dawn
and via sock dreams

Do not break your shin on a stool that is not in your way.-- Irish proverb

2011-10-19T17:28:00.000-04:00

A wet blowy day -- but not really cold.

I haven't made anything today [not yet, anyway] because I took the day off.

I had an appointment early afternoon in the College and Bay area, so when I was done, I walked around and found the best Sobey's yet, in College Park; I was told that it opened last Friday. And I thought the best one was in my neighbourhood.... So now there are two supermarkets in College Park, although I have to say that Sobey's far outshines the one in the level below (Metro).

I headed north, stopped off in Curry's to see if I needed any art supplies (I didn't) and continued up Yonge St. until it started raining again and hopped into the nearest subway.

Objects of my affection.

Do not break your shin on a stool that is not in your way.-- Irish proverb

2011-10-18T11:49:00.000-04:00

This project went on and on. And on. But I finally finished it. It went on, because I started with a blank "canvas" and kept adding to it. Little by little, it turned into something. Small steps do work... Essentially it's a book, or a folder since it doesn't have pages inside. When you open it, this is what you see.

The front cover looks like this:

The back cover looks like this:

Do not break your shin on a stool that is not in your way.-- Irish proverb

Tempus fugit

2011-10-17T13:08:00.000-04:00

If it's almost Hallowe'en, Christmas can't be far behind.

I made myself a reminder. Some Christmassy stock has to be made very soon. Just like magazines, this business requires working months in advance. This year, I've decided to stitch words on my ornaments, as well as offer personalized ornaments -- the customer gets to choose the word or name. If this interests you, please contact me through my Etsy shop for more info.

Embroidery on antique French linen.

Do not break your shin on a stool that is not in your way.-- Irish proverb

2011-10-16T11:59:00.000-04:00

Silent Sunday

Do not break your shin on a stool that is not in your way.-- Irish proverb

2011-10-15T13:50:00.000-04:00

Yesterday's highlight was a visit to the Topshop flagship store at Yorkdale Mall. I love it -- it has that British fashion edginess and loads of vintage influences. Best of all, there's something for all ages.

This evening my canine friend Jeannie is coming to dinner. Her keeper, too, of course. Must go and get some doggie treats because I fed Jeannie's stash to another doggie friend who visited last week.

Today's painting: Pyramid.

Acrylic on paper, available in my Etsy shop.

Do not break your shin on a stool that is not in your way.-- Irish proverb

Friday's child

2011-10-14T13:01:00.000-04:00

Painting lifts me out of the grey skies we have today.

I'm studying the masters of light: for me they are Turner and Hopper.

Lone Tree (c) Colette Copeland

Do not break your shin on a stool that is not in your way.-- Irish proverb

2011-10-13T22:36:00.000-04:00

At the end of a busy day.

I traded a painting for two hair appointments, and had the first one today. Having my hair cut and styled always lifts my spirits.

Walked downtown to take advantage of a sunny day.

Spent some time in the library losing myself in some gorgeous Turners (two big books filled with colour photos of his paintings), and a chat with my favourite librarian, Sara.

I finally did the deed and tried wholewheat pasta for dinner. I'm not thrilled. The texture is strange -- OK, different -- anathema for a pasta lover. I made a killer sauce for it (puttanesca), hoping to minimize the wholewheatness of the thing, and threw in some chunks of low-fat camembert which melts and turns the tomato sauce nice and creamy.

And I indulged in some black and white painting.

Do not break your shin on a stool that is not in your way.-- Irish proverb

2011-10-12T10:58:00.000-04:00

Mlle Zita came to visit this thanksgiving weekend, bearing this huge bouquet.

It was a short visit but crammed with talk and catching up, picking up where we left off last year. Good friendships are like that.

Do not break your shin on a stool that is not in your way.-- Irish proverb

2011-10-11T12:49:00.000-04:00

On my table today

Mixed media

Stitching: work in progress

Have a lovely day.

Do not break your shin on a stool that is not in your way.-- Irish proverb

2011-10-10T12:48:00.000-04:00

Seeing beyond what's there:

It looked like a very big coaster, padded and stitched. It was velvet, faded in parts, very old. I knew I could use it in some way. I threw it in my basket. That's how it works with me when I'm shopping at mantofev's fleamarket, possible the best one online. When it arrived, I took it apart, discarded the padding, and ended up with a nice piece of old, crushed, faded velvet. Lovely.

It didn't take long to put it to good use. I've been wanting to make flowers (with old, crushed, faded velvet), and so I did. I stitched a little fabric tag to finish it off, and a pin on the back.

Do not break your shin on a stool that is not in your way.-- Irish proverb

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-10-08T12:42:00.000-04:00

Thanksgiving weekend, and the weather is more like late summer.
Enjoy the "harvest".

Do not break your shin on a stool that is not in your way.-- Irish proverb

2011-10-07T12:26:00.000-04:00

The Caran d'Ache love affair continues... smooth as butter. Just applying a wet brush to the colour after I put it down is sheer pleasure. [The Swiss don't just make clocks and chocolate, you know.]

Do not break your shin on a stool that is not in your way.-- Irish proverb

2011-10-06T17:47:00.000-04:00

Thank you for all your good wishes. I had a great day; even the weather was beautiful! and so are you...

Do not break your shin on a stool that is not in your way.-- Irish proverb